Brenda Joyce Almeda, 73, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, at Blake Hospital in Bradenton.
She was born December 24, 1952, in Tampa to the late Annie Carlino Almeda and Frank Mesa Almeda. She was the youngest child and only daughter of four children.
Brenda attended public schools in Tampa and graduated from Plant High School in 1970 where she shined on the cheerleading team. At the age of 20 she moved to Los Angeles, California on the advice of her brother Dennis and his wife Linda who had moved there to be closer to Linda's mother. She secured employment as an administrative assistant for a physician in the UCLA Medical School where she thrived and made a new circle of friends. I
n her late 20s disaster struck when she was diagnosed with a rare auto immune disease that left her nearly deaf. Her resilience and positive attitude served her well in subsequent years as she dealt with serious health issues.
At the age of 40, Brenda decided to return to Florida to be closer to her mother who had recently retired. After a brief residence in Anna Maria Island, she moved to Bradenton for the rest of her life where she amassed a circle of friends who will remember her for her care, compassion, and loyalty.
During her early years in Bradenton, Brenda took on administrative jobs with the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Sysco Corporation, and Tropicana Products until her hearing impairment and other chronic health problems eventually led her to seek a medical retirement. Brenda had a great love of the ocean and all its inhabitants and also loved observing the birds and rabbits that visited her garden in Bradenton.
Her life was one of making connections to friends and loved ones. May her memory be a blessing and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. Brenda is survived by her brothers Frank Almeda, Jr. (Mary Beth) and Larry Almeda, nieces Lisa, Jessica, Michelle, and nephews Dennis Jr., and Steven. Her mother, father, and brother Dennis predeceased her. She is also survived by numerous cousins in the Tampa area and an extended circle of friends whom she also cherished.
We extend special thanks to Belinda Castellana (wife of late cousin Sam) and longtime neighbor Susan Corsi for their exemplary caring support of Brenda over many years. A Celebration of Life service will be held in Bradenton in late spring of 2026.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
